Instructions

​​Registration

• Crews must report at the Registration Desk to receive racing numbers at least 30 minutes before their race. Be ready to present your crew’s British Rowing racing licences or photo ID. Outstanding payments, scratches and crew changes must be made at this point.

• Race numbers are to be worn by the bow rower, on the back of their racing kit, and securely attached.

• Coxes must also report to the Registration Desk to be weighed in line with the requirements in the Rules of Racing. Bring a lifejacket, and your own deadweight (if required). A wristband will be issued to be worn when boating.

 

Warming up

• There is limited space on the water to warm up. You should therefore plan to warm up on land. Please feel free to use the ergs in the club gym. Please do not move them and be sure to sanitise after use.

 

Going afloat

• The regatta is run in Divisions. All boats in a division will go afloat together at the time published in the Draw.

• Boating is from the landing stage in front of the boathouse. Please arrive on time and listen to the Boating Marshals’ instructions. Note that you will only be allowed to go afloat once the previous Division has finished racing.

• Space is limited, and slow boating is the prime cause of delays to the regatta timetable. Be ready to boat quickly. Adjust your equipment either on land before boating, or after pushing away from the stage.

• If a crew member or boat is likely to be required in the next Division (“doubling up”), please make the Boating Marshal aware before you boat so that they can prepare for you to swap efficiently.

• If you are in the recreational event, you will be sharing boats provided by Lea RC. Report to a Boating Marshal for instructions. You may need to be ready to swap with other crews as they land.

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Marshalling before your race

• Once you have gone afloat, you should proceed directly upstream to marshal for your race. There are two Start Marshalling Areas:

  • For the recreational event, your Start Marshalling Area is upstream of the Black Crane. Tuck into the side to allow other boats to get further upstream. Wait to spin until instructed by a Marshal.

  • For all other events, your Start Marshalling Area is upstream of the Novice Bend. The first race in the division will wait closest to the stake boats. The last race will wait closest to the Railway Bridge. Spin as instructed by the Marshals, aiming to pair up with your opponent. 

 

The start

• Once all crews are in the Start Marshalling Areas, the marshals will begin to call crews onto the Start.

• There are two Start lines, with different starting procedures:

  • The recreational event starts at the Black Crane (c.350m). You will have a “free start”. When instructed, get onto your station and line up with your opponent. Respond quickly to the Umpire’s calls to align your boats.

  • All other events start at the Novice Bend (c.650m). You will start on stakeboats. When instructed, paddle through the stakeboats and attach carefully. 

• Races will be started following the sequence laid down in the Rules of Racing. Note that we will be omitting the call of “two minutes” (Rule 7-3-1c).

• Make sure you have practiced attaching to stakeboats and/or lining up for a free start before the Regatta.

 

During the race

• Take care to stay on your station. Be aware that moored boats line both sides of the course. Check your steering regularly and listen for instructions from Umpires and Marshals on the bank.

• The course is partially buoyed. White buoys are lane markers, orange buoys are for warning of obstructions near the limits of the course, and red buoys mark the approach to the finish.

 

The finish

• The Finish for all events is opposite the Lea RC boathouse.

• Note that there is a distinct bend to starboard / bowside at the Finish (see map). If rowing on the Reservoir station, take particular care of the moored boats, which are protected with orange buoys. If rowing on the Towpath station, be careful not to force your opponent towards the bank.

• Once through the Finish line, keep rowing until you are through the Footbridge. Proceed under the marshals’ instructions to a clear space in the Finish Marshalling Area. Once all races in the Division have finished, you will be instructed to return to the landing stage for de-boating.

• If your crew or boat are required in the next Division (“doubling up”), please remind a Marshal so that they can prepare for you to swap efficiently.

 

Prizes

• Winning crews should report to Registration to receive a confirmation slip. This can be redeemed for your prizes in the Lea RC bar.  Be ready to present your British Rowing licences. 

 

Facilities

• First aid facilities are next to the Registration Desk. A defibrillator can be found at the back of the boat bay, above the sinks.

• Toilets, changing rooms, warm showers and baby changing facilities are available upstairs in the boathouse (follow the signs).

• There are accessible facilities on both floors, plus a lift – please ask a Marshal if you need any assistance.

• Be aware that the facilities will be open to all, and we cannot take responsibility for valuables. Thefts have occurred in the past.

• We will not be selling bottled water, so please bring a reusable bottle. Every tap on our site dispenses safe drinking water. Help yourself!

• Tea & coffee are available in the café. If you fancy something more adventurous, our bar will open around midday. Our barman JC serves good beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks at very reasonable prices!

• The café next to the boathouse is owned by the club and run by a local family. Pop in for homemade flapjack, bacon rolls, all-day breakfasts, and more. The food is excellent and worth queuing for!

• If you don’t want to queue – or fancy a treat – try our world-famous cake stall. Sweet & savoury options available. Everything is donated by club members, many of whom are semi-professional bakers!